Another interesting petticoat comment, a good question . .

and American Beauty jewelry

In the comments, Anne had this to say about her memories of petticoats:

"I remember stiff petticcoats from the 1950s and early 60s . Here in the UK they were often in what we called "paper nylon" rather than netm mounted on a nylon tricot yoke with elasticated top. The nylon was a stiff rather crackly fabric with a distinctive rustle. You washed it as little as possible so that it stayed stiff, and I have a vague memory that you were supposed to restore the stiffness by rinsing it in a solution of sugar and water and letting it drip dry!"

Very interesting, thanks Anne!

Carolyn posted a good question in her comment on Monday's post about the make-up, and I thought answering it would be good idea since some of you might have the same question. Here it is:

"Summerset - your attention to detail is amazing! Is this what helps your garments win? That each element of the presentation is so carefully thought out? Do you have 50's jewelry too? . . ."

Thanks for the compliment, Carolyn! Attention to detail is essential to a winning garment. Garments are judged privately by a panel, usually 2 to 3 judges. They go over the garment with a fine tooth comb, and the judges really know their stuff. The AQS show on Friday is being judged by Connie St. Clair, Lorraine Torrence and Kayla Kennington. They look for not only dramatic and artistic value, but also for excellence in workmanship. I got a comment from one show that I didn't finish the inside seams on a lined skirt with a free hanging lining! That's something I usually don't do - if it's lined, I don't worry about it. Well, I do now for competition or I make it so that they can't get under the lining! Anyway, sometimes at that point they determine winners, but other times, they wait until the fashion show to award the ribbons once they actually see the garment being worn.

That said, taking everything to completion can help in those shows. I do it because it's important to me to present an entire "look" from head to toe. If you look at the big name designers, they present a total look - hair, make-up, jewelry, shoes and accessories in addition to the clothes on the catwalk. Not everyone in my little world does that, but for me it's part of presenting yourself professionally, plus it's just plain fun! How else could you excuse going to the salon and having your nails, make-up and hair done? It's also fun working with my salon, because the girls get together and we trade ideas for hair/make-up/whatever for the particular outfit. I've received many compliments on how well put together I look at shows and have been asked if I was a model (yeah right - I'm about 8" too short and 20lbs. too heavy!). Most people are surprised to find out I am the "designer".

Now for the last piece of the American Beauty puzzle - the jewelry. I have the vintage red lizard shoes, a petticoat, liquid eyeliner, red lipstick, above the elbow white gloves, so all I need is jewelry. Someone might point out that I don't have a purse. I considered it, but on stage for this show, I'll need to show the inside of the coat (where all the hand applique is!) and take the coat off, so juggling a purse isn't a good idea. It's best to keep things simple.

I've studied many pictures of 50's jewelry online, but I wanted something simple - the show is about the garments, not necessarily the jewelry. The jewelry should compliment, not overwhelm. This is choker and earrings I made out of Swarovski pearls and crystals:

Parting Shot: I took my son to get his haircut today, and this is how he came out. For fun, our stylist gave him a faux-hawk and bright yellow temp color (it washes out with one shampoo).